Windows Server 2019 and 2022 have a single monthly update that includes security and non-security updates. This is a cumulative patch that includes the updates from the previous month. This means that if you install the latest update, you will also get all the updates from the previous months. This is different from previous versions of Windows Server, where you had to install each update individually.
The monthly update for Windows Server 2019 and 2022 is released on the second Tuesday of each month, also known as "Patch Tuesday." This is the same day that Microsoft releases updates for other products like Windows 11. This falls on a Wednesday in Australia due to the time difference with the United States.
Part of the monthly update process usually involves restarting the server to apply the updates. This can be disruptive to your users or customers, so it's essential to plan for these updates and schedule them during maintenance windows or off-peak hours.
To configure the preferred Windows updates settings on Windows Server 2019 and 2022, you can use the SConfig command-line tool. This tool allows you to configure various aspects of the Windows Update service, including the update schedule, automatic restart behaviour, and more.
Here's how you can configure the preferred Windows updates settings using the SConfig tool:
1. Log in to your Windows Server 2019 or 2022 instance.
2. Open a Command Prompt window with administrative privileges.
3. Type sconfig and press Enter to launch the SConfig tool.
4. Press 5 and then Enter to select the "Update Settings" option.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to configure the desired update settings. We're selecting Download Only in this example by selecting 2 and pressing Enter.
6. Once you've configured the settings hit Enter and you'll be returned to the main menu where you'll see the changes you've made.
7. You can exit the SConfig tool by entering 15 and then Enter.
This example shows how to configure the Windows Update settings to download updates only. You'll be notified when updates are available, and you can choose when to install them manually. This can be useful if you want to review the updates before applying them or if you have specific maintenance windows for installing updates.
This method also enables you to control when the server restarts after installing updates, which can help minimize disruptions to your services.
Remember that keeping your Windows Server up to date with the latest security patches is essential for maintaining a secure and stable environment. Regularly installing updates can help protect your server from security vulnerabilities and ensure that it performs optimally.